Mughal Floral Lattice Carpet

A Deccani Silk Rug Central India Late 17th early 18th century

Central India Late 17th early 18th century. The burgundy field with a delicate palmette and floral leafy lattice vine, in a sea-blue border of palmettes and meandering floral vine between sandy yellow skittle-pattern stripes, outer mill-pattern stripes, slight wear and old damage, backed on silk, mounted on stretcher 7ft. x 3ft.10in. (213cm. x 117cm.)

Warp: cotton, Z4S or Z5S, white, natural, very fine

Weft: silk, Z2 or Z3, unplied, dyed wine red, two shoots alternating

Pile: silk, Z2 asymmetric knots open left, warps alternately depressed approximately 80 degrees average, H 16 x V 21

Sides: two bundles of two body warps wrapped in red pile silk

Ends: not original

Colors: burgundy, greenish blue, pistachio, yellow, black, aqua, lime, sapphire, light red

Lot 428

Christie's Rugs and Carpets

April 24, 1997, London

Est. US $41,000-57,000

Did not sell

ca97n428

*Graphic Image Courtesy of Christie's

Catalogue Notes:

The rug offered here has obvious superficial similarities to the floral lattice carpets of the Mughal Indian Court in terms of both design and coloration (see lot 425 of this sale). Close inspection, however, reveals salient differences between this rug and the Mughal carpets which make it improbable that they are from the same weaving tradition. The tradition for carpet weaving in the kingdoms of Bijapur and Golconda in the Deccan was already established before 1687, when the kingdoms were absorbed into the Mughal Empire by Aurangzeb (1658-1707). The Deccan Kingdoms emulated the brilliance of the Mughal Court designs but were also influenced by the close trade links with Persia. Their revenue exceeded that of all other Mughal provinces. The carpet weaving continued after the decline of the Mughal Empire and through the establishment of the East India Company. The design of an 18th century tablecover or floorspread, Burhanpur Cohen.S.: 'Textiles', in Michell,G (ed.):

Islamic Heritage of the Deccan, Bombay, 1986, pl.4-5, p.121. is similar to the carpet being offered here, in particular the corner floral lozenge motifs in the field. Also similar is the border design in 18th century Warangal carpet Cohen,S.: op.cit., pl.9-10, p.122. It is therefore probable that this rare silk carpet was produced in the Deccan at one of the carpet weaving centers during the 18th century.

Note: To further a long term research project I am collecting data. When a piece such as this may be of interest to others I have decided to share my notes prior to culmination of the project. As such the attributions are my own and may be different that the catalogue attribution. Any additions, information, or corrections, would be appreciated.

For Further Reading:

Guide to Rugs & Books

La Miniature En Orient

Southwest Asia Time Line

Thanks and best wishes,

J. Barry O'Connell Jr.

Persian Rugs the O'Connell Guides